Ultra light all-purpose breathable shoe

ABSTRACT

A lightweight foot encompassing shoe which contains hidden connective material to provide a wide range of width and arch variations, and provides uniform ventilation but prevents rocks and pebbles from invading the foot “cocoon”, yet allows small unobtrusive elements such as sand and water to access and egress.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ultralight multi-purpose shoe and, more particularly, to an exact fit, creating exceptional comfort support and durability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoes and other footgear are a necessity for all kinds of different situations, from water sports, to hiking, from casual foot protection, to a night at the opera and, most importantly, for every day use. Most would agree that function and comfort are important ingredients for a good wearing experience. But, many successful shoe concepts have developed over the past 20 years, often in spite of their lack of design beauty or tasteful form.

One such concept is “Crocs. It has become very successful in spite of its unattractive form. The extremely light weight and slip on comfort have trumped the desire for an attractive good looking shoe in traditional terms.

Another concept which has become every popular is “Keens” and its wide range of shoes that are functional in many water related sports. It has become somewhat of a fashion statement and has managed to invade many social settings, from a night at the movies to formal parties.

“Vans” have become a very popular choice for skateboarders, and predictably have been accepted in many different social environments. Also predictably, they have had broad success as a counter culture statement as has the ageless bowling shoe, complete with the rental number on the back.

Thongs, with the connective strap between the big toe and the second toe remain very popular, but the logic of the wearer as hard if not impossible to understand. Several major footwear companies such as Nike, Adidas, Converse, and others have introduced light weight slip on sandals where the connection to the foot is a little easier to understand, which involves a band across the arch. This is often made even more appealing by having that strap take the form of a Velcro or other hook and loop materials, which provides some flexibility for a more snug attachment to accommodate various foot shapes.

I will approach the shortfalls in the order they were mentioned above, but many of these concepts share the same shortcomings.

“Crocs” were indeed of breath of fresh air in that they are extremely light and with a much broader connection point than “flip flops” and thong sandals. However, they provide very little support and don't cross over well into active water sports. Also the “one size fits all” approach has left a large share of the market without a comfortable fit. This is due to the wide heel and relatively wide front section leaving many people which are considered by many to have ideally formed foot structure with no real choice.

The Keen's touched a responsive chord with the water activity set, especially fly fishermen. However, they are relatively heavy, allow small rocks and pebbles to invade the shoe, and are expensive.

Vans are usually lace style and although it provides a certain amount of support for athletic maneuvers demanded in skateboarding, they are time consuming to lace and often the laces work free, This is also true in other sports which require quick foot motion and starting an stopping such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. How many times have you seen an athletic contest disrupted while a contestant retrieves a lost shoe and re-laces.

Thongs don't need lots of shortcoming verbiage. Simply said, how often do you see a flip-flop or other sandals washed up on the shore of a lake or stream? They provide little support and are easily lost in an active application. It does speak volumes about the desire of the consumer to have a light weight shoe that is easy to slip into, or out of, as the case may be.

The vanity side of footwear is pretty hard to understand. A good portion of women's footwear is designed with one thing in mind, looking good. How else can you explain 6 inch pencil thin heels and pointed toes. Certainly support, function, and practicality have no role. They do make the leg look longer, and the ankles thinner, but balance, stability, and support are not even an after thought.

Men's fashion is not as far behind as you might first think. Wing tips don't mimic the male foots shape, nor do inflexible arch supports (if they exist at all) really add to the comfort or function for the wearer. It seems to be a matter of what can look like hand made expensive leather shoes at least to the wearer. So both men and women are often guilty of following form over function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lightweight foot encompassing shoe which can be adjusted by hidden hook and loop materials providing a wide range of width and arch variations, as well as ventilation, and which prevents rocks and pebbles from invading the foot “cocoon” yet allowing small unobtrusive elements such as sand and water to access and egress.

It would be advantageous to provide an extremely lightweight foot surround.

It would also be advantageous to provide a shoe with a wide range of adjustment for width and arch shapes.

It would further be advantageous to provide a toe protection that extends into a shoe tongue.

It is further advantageous to provide a protective surround for the heel and Achilles area.

It is further advantageous to provide additional ankle support at the top of the upper portion.

It is also advantageous to provide a shoe that can be made using a one piece mold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an ultra light shoe;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an ultra light shoe;

FIG. 3 is a top open view of a light weight shoe;

FIG. 4 is a back and front view of an all-purpose shoe; and

FIG. 5 is a top and x section view of the light weight one piece shoe.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a side view of an ultra light shoe. The material used can be of rubber derivatives, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, or any one of a number of light weight somewhat flexible material. It can be molded using one piece construction, or a combination of sections as in more typical shoe assembly.

The sole 10 provides, not only the base but the cushioning support for the foot, and has a small coving at the outer edge of the sole 10, helping to property position the bottom of the foot regardless of the shape and width. The upper 12 is made of a series of small circular openings which not only provide for extremely efficient air circulation, but also allow for immediate drainage of water in that environment. The circular vent material 26 also provides a tear resistant element that give the shoe and unusual degree of strength while retaining flexibility.

Both the right side flap 18 and the left side flap 20 are lined with the loop portion of a self fastening material such as “Velcro”. This allows for a high degree of adjustment for both the width and arch 28 of the wearer.

The toe guard 14 is of a smooth material that converts to the standard circular vent material 26 as it translates to the tongue 16 area. The hook material 36 on the top of the tongue 16 provides a high degree of adjustment for both varying widths and degree of arch 28 of an individual foot. This provides hidden but very effective support for the wearer. Also, when used in casual everyday wear, it can be adjust rather loosely, for maximum comfort. But, if the wearer decides to fly fish in a boulder strewn stream, it is a simple matter to tighten the support “cocoon” without changing foot gear.

Another element of increase support and custom fit is provided by the upper support band 22. Since the terminal ends 34 are at the front of the ankle, it allows for the loop portion to attach to the hook material 36 on the top of the tongue 16, providing support not commonly seen in complex and expensive sport shoes used in football, soccer, basketball, and various other sports. Although not claiming to be all things, it does allow the wearer to engage in various sport activities, without a trip home to find foot gear.

Providing yet another degree of support is the “V” at the rear of the upper support band 22. It is designed to encompass the Achilles portion of the heel and then extend upward on both sides to surround and support one of the most susceptible areas of the foot.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an ultra light shoe. This further illustrates how the shape complies with the general shape of the foot and not some fad based form or style which will likely become another pair of unworn shoes in the closet. Because of it's extreme functional attributes (such as form fitting, ultra light weight, multiple levels of both support and custom adjustment) the manufacturer will not need to build a wide degree of widths or arch 28 support features. Likewise the retailer will be able to satisfy 80-90% of its customers by simply stocking a limited number of lengths. Even half size length will not be necessary due to adjustability of the right side panel, the left side panel, and the upper support band 22 and terminal ends 34 which contain loop material 38 on the underside.

FIG. 3 is a top open view of an ultra light shoe. This illustrates how the two side panels created by the right side flap 18 and left side flap 20 allow for custom adjustment without the need for laces or other forms of connective material such as the exposed Velcro straps often seen in toddlers shoes and in nursing homes. Now the need for easy to adjust, comfortable shoes can give both ends of the age spectrum a stylish alternative, with a much higher degree of support. In case you hadn't noticed the care givers and hospital and nursing aids have the same needs as their patients, and this option to the typical sport shoe will be a welcome relief for all wearers.

When you check your closet for the right choice for the days activities, it will be clear there is only one that provides the style, function, flexibility and comfort you deserve.

FIG. 4 is a back and front view of an all purpose shoe. The front view illustrates how much flexibility in width and arch 28 support is provided. Those with a narrow foot will find at least of an inch and ½ of adjustability, without sacrificing fashion. Conversely, a wide foot and high arch 28 is easily accommodated. Not only does it give custom fit in the toe area, but proceeds back up the foot to and including the arch 28. The small section of hook material 36 on the exposed portion of the tongue 16, creates a texture and color that is compatible with the overall circular vent material 26 on the majority of the shoe, yielding a timeless fashionable look. With the variety of polymer products currently available the color possibilities range from matt to shiny finishes, and include translucent or clear materials.

The Achilles support 24 is shown in the back view. Not only does this illustrate the notch surrounding the Achilles, but it further shows how the upper support band 22 (often in a roll shape) offers additional support and cushioning surrounding the ankle area.

Even the toe guard 14 and heel section blends well with majority of the shoe. The often bulbous look of the toe section of water sport shoes is missing here, as there is no need to exaggerate the toe in order to guard against the occasional boulder encountered in wading a stream. The extreme adjustment functions allow this to be the water shoe of choice, in paddleboarding, canoeing, surfing, fly fishing, and yes, even water skiing.

While most water sport shoes pay no attention to openings that will allow, coarse sand, gravel inside, this has no opening larger than a fraction of an inch, but still allow water to drain immediately since the majority of the shoe is comprised of small circular openings, or circular vent material 26. The size of these opening is expected to vary according the to the planned activities of the wearer. These small opening further provide extreme ventilation and comfort even when majority of the day is spent on more normal surfaces.

FIG. 5 shows both a top view with the cross section defined. On the left is illustrated a cut through the center of the top of arch 28 area. It can be clearly seen that the depth of the cushion sole 10 and arch 28 area provides a wide range of cushion and support. Also this figure shows how much flexibility in width and arch 28 support can be achieved with just a quick push on the top of the right side flap 18, and left side flap 20, when the foot is in the proper position to close the “cocoon”.

The FIG. 5 illustrations show the bottom portion of the shoe with the right side flap 18 and left side flap 20 open as would be the case if the wearer were slipping the foot into the shoe itself. Of course the upper support band 22 would be open as well, but for these illustrative purposes it is shown as closed after the foot is inserted.

The goal of this shoe is provide an every day option for everyone that has not been previously available. No mater what the day has in store, this will more than meet the wearer's needs, and is so light and comfortable, that you will barely know that you are wearing anything.

Yet nothing, not even custom made shoes, will give the wide range of support and function this provides.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe for providing an encapsulating exact fit for a variety of foot widths and arch heights, comprising: means for foot support and traction; means for wrapping the foot in a support structure, rigidly connected to said means for foot support and traction; means for protecting the toe area, rigidly connected to said means for foot support and traction; means for providing adjustable base for various foot shapes, rigidly connected to said means for protecting the toe area; means for provide locking support to the tongue; means for providing adjustable locking to the tongue; means for providing foot security and stablity, rigidly connected to said means for wrapping the foot in a support structure; means for cradling the achilles and providing surrounding support, rigidly connected to said means for providing foot security and stablity; means for providing ventilation and strength to the upper shoe area, rigidly connected to said means for providing foot security and stablity, rigidly connected to said means for providing adjustable locking to the tongue, and rigidly connected to said means for foot support and traction; means for support for the pad of the foot, rigidly connected to said means for foot support and traction; means for provide additional support and custom adjustment, rigidly connected to said means for providing foot security and stablity; means for providing variable position attachment to the loop material; and means for providing variable position hidden attachment to the hook material.
 2. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for foot support and traction comprises an arch support sole.
 3. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for wrapping the foot in a support structure comprises an upper.
 4. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for protecting the toe area comprises a toe guard.
 5. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing adjustable base for various foot shapes comprises a tongue.
 6. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for provide locking support to the tongue comprises a right side flap.
 7. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing adjustable locking to the tongue comprises a left side flap.
 8. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing foot security and stablity comprises an upper support band.
 9. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for cradling the achilles and providing surrounding support comprises an achilles support.
 10. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing ventilation and strength to the upper shoe area comprises a circular vent material.
 11. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for support for the pad of the foot comprises an arch.
 12. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for provide additional support and custom adjustment comprises a terminal ends.
 13. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing variable position attachment to the loop material comprises a hook material.
 14. The ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing variable position hidden attachment to the hook material comprises a loop material.
 15. An ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe for providing an encapsulating exact fit for a variety of foot widths and arch heights, comprising: an arch support sole, for foot support and traction; an upper, for wrapping the foot in a support structure, rigidly connected to said sole; a toe guard, for protecting the toe area, rigidly connected to said sole; a tongue, for providing adjustable base for various foot shapes, rigidly connected to said toe guard; a right side flap, for provide locking support to the tongue; a left side flap, for providing adjustable locking to the tongue; an upper support band, for providing foot security and stablity, rigidly connected to said upper; an achilles support, for cradling the achilles and providing surrounding support, rigidly connected to said upper support band; a circular vent material, for providing ventilation and strength to the upper shoe area, rigidly connected to said upper support band, rigidly connected to said left side flap, and rigidly connected to said sole; an arch, for support for the pad of the foot, rigidly connected to said sole; a terminal ends, for provide additional support and custom adjustment, rigidly connected to said upper support band; a hook material, for providing variable position attachment to the loop material; and a loop material, for providing variable position hidden attachment to the hook material.
 16. An ultralight all-purpose breathable shoe for providing an encapsulating exact fit for a variety of foot widths and arch heights, comprising: an arch support sole, for foot support and traction; an upper, for wrapping the foot in a support structure, rigidly connected to said sole; a toe guard, for protecting the toe area, rigidly connected to said sole; a tongue, for providing adjustable base for various foot shapes, rigidly connected to said toe guard; a right side flap, for provide locking support to the tongue; a left side flap, for providing adjustable locking to the tongue; an upper support band, for providing foot security and stablity, rigidly connected to said upper; an achilles support, for cradling the achilles and providing sounding support, rigidly connected to said upper support band; a circular vent material, for providing ventilation and strength to the upper shoe area, rigidly connected to said upper support band, rigidly connected to said left side flap, and rigidly connected to said sole; an arch, for support for the pad of the foot, rigidly connected to said sole; a terminal ends, for provide additional support and custom adjustment, rigidly connected to said upper support band; a hook material, for providing variable position attachment to the loop material; and a loop material, for providing variable position hidden attachment to the hook material. 